Qatar’s ministry of defence has announced the arrival of a new group of Turkish armed forces to the military base where Turkey began its training mission last week.

The forces are set to take part in joint exercises within the framework of a defence agreement signed between Doha and Ankara aimed at raising Qatar’s defence capabilities, supporting “counter-terror” efforts, and maintaining security and stability in the region.

Khalid bin Mohammed al-Attiyah arrived on Thursday to Ankara where he is scheduled to meet with his Turkish counterpart Fikri Ishik as well as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Turkey’s parliament on June 8 approved 2015 deal with Qatar aimed at strengthening military cooperation between the two states, which gave Turkey the right to establish military bases in Qatar and deploy military forces.

The deal’s approval came three days after Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries severed diplomatic ties with Qatar over allegations that it supports “terrorism” and is too close to Iran – charges Doha has repeatedly denied.

Five armoured vehicles and 23 military Turkish military personnel arrived to Doha on June 18. At the time, Turkey’s Hurriyet newspaper reported there were already at least 88 Turkish soldiers in Qatar.

The number of Turkish soldiers sent to the Gulf state could eventually reach 1,000, Turkish daily Hurriyet reported, adding that an air force contingent was also envisaged.

Joint exercises were expected to start after the Eid al-Fitr holiday.

The Turkish military base in Qatar is a first for Turkey in the Arab World.

New Delhi: India on Friday said it has told China that the building of a road by Chinese troops in a border region will have “serious security implications for India” and urged Beijing “not to change the status quo unilaterally”.

“India is deeply concerned at the recent Chinese actions and has conveyed to the Chinese government that such construction would represent a significant change of status quo with serious security implications for India,” an External Affairs Ministry statement said.

This was India’s first public reaction to an ongoing stand-off between Indian and Chinese troops on their border. Beijing has sharply escalated the rhetoric, with the People’s Liberation Army telling New Delhi to remember its 1962 military debacle.

The statement said India had underlined that New Delhi and Beijing had in 2012 reached an agreement that the tri-junction boundary points between India, China and third countries would be finalized in consultation with the concerned countries.

“Any attempt, therefore, to unilaterally determine tri-junction points is in violation of this understanding,” the Indian statement said.

The latest stand-off occurred in Donglong or Doklam, a disputed territory between Bhutan and China. Beijing has accused India of obstructing road building in the area, which it claims as its own.

Beijing has also charged New Delhi with acting at the behest of Bhutan, which also lays claim to Donglong.

The External Affairs Ministry denied that Indian border troops crossed the boundary in the Sikkim sector of the China-India frontier and entered Chinese territory.

It said a PLA construction party entered Doklam area on June 16 and attempted to build a road despite objections from a Royal Bhutan Army patrol. Bhutan lodged a protest with China on June 20.

On Thursday, Bhutan said the construction of the road inside its territory was a violation of the 1988 and 1998 agreements with China.

India said that in keeping with the tradition of maintaining close consultation on matters of mutual interest, Bhutan and India had been in continuous contact “through the unfolding of these developments”.

It said that in coordination with the Bhutanese Army, Indian soldiers who were present at general area Doka La “approached the Chinese construction party and urged them to desist from changing the status quo. These efforts continue”.

India said the matter was under discussion between the Indian and Chinese foreign ministries since then both in New Delhi and Beijing. It was also discussed at a meeting of border personnel at Nathu La on June 20.

“Where the boundary in the Sikkim sector is concerned, India and China had reached an understanding also in 2012 reconfirming their mutual agreement on the ‘basis of the alignment’.

“Further discussions regarding finalization of the boundary have been taking place under the Special Representatives framework.

“It is essential that all parties concerned display utmost restraint and abide by their respective bilateral understandings not to change the status quo unilaterally.

“It is also important that the consensus reached between India and China through the Special Representatives process is scrupulously respected by both sides.”

The statement said India had consistently taken a positive approach to the settlement of its own boundary with China, along with the associated issue of the tri-junctions.

It said India cherished peace and tranquillity on the India-China border areas. “It has not come easily.

“Both sides have worked hard to establish institutional framework to discuss all issues to ensure peace and tranquillity in the India-China border areas,” the statement said.

“India is committed to working with China to find peaceful resolution of all issues in the border areas through dialogue.”

Hyderabad: The implementation of GST regime would lead to “chaos” similar to what had happened in the aftermath of demonetisation of high value notes last year, AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi said today.

The Hyderabad Lok Sabha member said he was not sure how far the new taxation system will be implemented in an “organised way”.

“Government is rushing and doing it. I see that there will be chaos…when demonetisation happened, it led to chaos because no proper planning was done. Now also, the government is rushing and pushing and this will lead to chaos,” he told PTI.

Owaisi added that economic and tax experts had expressed “lot of concerns” vis-a-vis the Goods and Services Tax (GST).

The editing Of L. P. G. Entertainment’s Lallu Ram has started at i Focus Studio. The film has been produced by Andy N Sandy Film International & Academy, directed By Amol Dwivedi, written by Shiva Maan Singh, lyrics by Anjaan Sagry & Anoop Singh, music by Tinu Purohit, cinemetography by Shiv Shakti, choreographer by Sailesh Mantri & action by Singh is King. The film stars Newton Lukka, Ruchi Tiwari, Mohan Joshi, Deepak Shirkey, Bhagyashree Chaubisha, Mohammad Afzal, Unka Roy et al..

Ramgarh: One day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi warned that killings in the name of cow protection won’t be tolerated, a man was beaten to death by a mob here on Thursday on suspicion that he was carrying beef in his vehicle.

A case has been registered on the basis of a video footage of the lynching, police said.

The incident took place just a couple of days after a mob attacked and injured a man in Giridih district on suspicion that he had slaughtered a cow.

SP Kishore Kaushal told a press conference that around 30 people had surrounded the van bearing a West Bengal number plate in the Bazaar Tand area of Ramgarh police station.

They dragged out the driver of the vehicle, Mohd Allimuddin, a resident of neighbouring Hazaribagh district, and thrashed him, injuring him seriously.

The police on getting information rushed to the spot and took Allimuddin to a hospital where he was declared “brought dead” by doctors, a police officer said.

The mob also set the vehicle on fire, he said.

According to Kaushal, the case was registered on the basis of the video footage and asserted the guilty would be arrested soon.

Ramgarh Deputy Commissioner Rajeswari B, who was also present in the press conference, said additional forces have been deployed in the area to maintain law and order.

Patna: A picture of Union Minister Radha Mohan Singh urinating in the open has gone viral, with netizens trolling him on social media and raising questions over the government’s Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.

In the picture, Singh is seen urinating against the wall of a building as his security officers stand guard. A vehicle with red beacon is also seen in the TV footage aired by some news channels.

The picture has gone viral on social media and has drawn sharp criticism for what is being described as “blatant violation of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan” launched by the Prime Minister amid much fanfare.

The spot and date on which the photos were taken are not known.

The minister, who was in his native constituency of Motihari in connection with Eid, had left for Delhi on Monday night. The photo could be of this period when Singh attended many functions in his constituency, sources told PTI.

The minister was not available for comments and repeated phone calls elicited the ‘standard response’ that he was in some meeting.

In Motihari, his kins, however, were critical of the media for airing such footage.

“Urination is a natural biological urge of a human being, so why such things are highlighted to create controversy…are urinals available everywhere?” his son-in-law Sujit Kumar Singh told PTI in Motihari.

East Champaran district BJP leader Lal Babu Prasad was also critical of the media wondering if “such things should be shown by media”.

Radha Mohan Singh is a fourth-term MP from Motihari in Bihar. State BJP president Nityanand Rai also refused to say anything.

New Delhi: Stage is set for the launch of a nationwide goods and services tax at midnight Friday amid protests from opposition parties who see hardships to small businesses in pushing through the biggest economic reform without preparations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will at midnight unveil the new tax regime replacing overnight the messy mix of more than a dozen state and central levies built up over seven decades, with a one national GST unifying the country’s USD 2 trillion economy and 1.3 billion people into a common market.

President Pranab Mukherjee, who had originally moved the Constitution Amendment bill for bringing GST way back in 2011 when he was the finance minister in the previous UPA regime, will be present alongside eminent personalities at the historic Central-hall of Parliament.

Unlike the last midnight event held in 1997 on the occasion of golden jubilee of the Independence at a special session of Parliament, it will be a gala event at the circular -shaped hall that has been loaned for the launch of the historic reform.

GST to streamline taxes

The government promises that the transition to a single, nationwide tax on goods and services will streamline business and boost the economy by tearing down barriers between 31 states and union territories. It is estimated to add 0.4 per cent to 2 per cent to GDP growth.

But some businesses are still figuring out how it will work as they race against time to adopt or upgrade cash registers and computer system so they are able to file monthly tax returns that comply with the new tax regime.

Opposition to boycott

Opposition parties TMC, Congress and Left see undue haste in the implementation, causing hardships for millions of tiny neighbourhood shops that don’t even use a calculator. They have decided to boycott the gala event.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley made a last minute appeal to them to reconsider their decision saying the landmark indirect tax reform was a result of a joint decision and they cannot run away from it now.

Urging the opposition parties to “display broad shoulders”, he said they should not “disassociate” from the decision they were a party to.

But opposition parties say they are not against the GST but only want small businesses, who face wrenching change, to be given more time.

Former prime ministers Manmohan Singh and H D Deva Gowda too have been invited to launch a new taxation system that is set to dramatically re-shape the over USD 2 trillion economy.

But with Congress deciding to boycott the event, Singh may not be seen on the seat reserved for him on the dais.

Jaitley acknowledged there may be “teething troubles” with many businesses as well as state governments still scrambling to get ready. But he has assured that the effort would eventually help reduce rampant tax evasion.

For some businesses, the GST is complex with four broad tax categories of 5, 12, 18 and 28 per cent, and myriad exceptions, as opposed to a simpler, flatter and broader sales taxes in other countries.

Switchover to the GST has added to the worries of businesses that are still recovering from the November 8 shock decision to overnight remove 86 per cent of currency from circulation.

One of the things that is keeping companies occupied ahead of the launch is calculation of input tax credit, which allows them to claim refunds on tax paid on inputs and pay tax on the value adds only. From soft drink makers to automobile firms, companies are busy calculating final consumer price to be charged from July 1.

The government, however, defends the decision saying enough time was given to businesses to adapt to the new regime.

Notwithstanding this, the government will take a lenient view for tax returns filed in the initial period.

Revenue Secretary Hasmukh Adhia said honest tax payers will benefit from GST and the new regime will not result in price increase of any essential or daily use commodity.

Jaitley today met industry associations and traders to nudge them to pass on the benefits of any reduction in tax incidence to consumers.

Industry’s reaction

The industry on its part said it will take about 3 months to gauge the situation.

“We assured him (Jaitley) we are ready for the roll out. Even if this was rolled out after 6 months, we would have same amount of panic. Hotel industry will take it in its stride,” Bharat Hotels CMD Jyotsna Suri said. Her company runs hotels under the Lalit brand.

First proposed in 2003, the idea of GST was bogged down for years in bipartisan debate, with political parties in government trying to push it and those in opposition dragging it down. Before Modi came to power three years ago, his party was not particularly in favour of the GST.

Over 1,200 items, from shampoo to tea to automobiles, have been put in four broad tax categories.

Unbranded food staples including vegetables, milk, eggs and flour will be exempt from GST, along with health and education services. Tea, edible oils, sugar, textiles and baby formula will attract a 5 per cent tax.

In Mar this year, Srinivasan was arrested by the Delhi Police in a cheating case where he allegedly cheated a businessman to the tune of Rs.10 crores by promising to get him a loan of Rs.1000 crores. Now in another cheating case, Bengaluru police have taken the actor into their custody in another cheating case where he has cheated a businessman and his brother for Rs.1 crore by promising a loan of Rs.30 crores. He has now been lodged in a prison in Bengaluru. Police reveal that there are 8 cheating cases pending against the actor who has acted in 12 Tamil films and was last seen in a guest appearance in Vijay Sethupathi starrer Kavan.

A Sports Film After Kadugu

After the critically acclaimed Kadugu, director Vijay Milton is getting ready for his next directorial film. Reliable sources reveal that Vijay Milton’s next as a director will be a Sports film about Basket ball and it will have debutante actors in lead roles. It is also said that the film will go on the floors from 10th Jul, 2017. Meanwhile Vijay Milton is producing a film directed by his good friend Balaji Sakthivel.

Varalaxmi’s Next With A Young Hero

After winning critical acclaim for her performance in Tharai Thappattai last year. Varalaxmi Sarathkumar’s next release in Tamil is scheduled to happen in Jul,2017 through Vikram Vedha in which she has played an important role alongside Madhavan & Vijay Sethuapthi. The star kid turned heroine is also busy with her activism for women safety through her Save Sakthi Campaign. Varu will now be teaming up for the 1st time with actor Vimal for a film titled as Gemini Ganesan. The film will be directed by a debutante named as Muthukumar.

Suriya’s Next By A Woman Director?

Patty Jenkins the director of Wonder Woman starring Gal Gadot is being celebrated as the 1st woman director to garner the biggest domestic opening of all time and also being praised for doing her bit to narrow the gender gap in the entertainment industry. A good one & a half years before Jenkins our own Sudha Kongara made waves by making the 1st ever genuine critically acclaimed & commercially super hit movie Irudhi Suttru starring Maddy & Rithika Singh. Latest news is that Suriya has heard a script from Sudha and impressed by it has agreed not only to act but also produce the film under his 2D Entertainment banner.

Pooja Hegde Goes For A Budding Hero

Pooja Hegde, the potential star – actress who has acted opposite the likes of Allu Arjun & Hrithik Roshan, has gone for a budding hero this time. It’s Bellamkonda Sreenivas. The news is that the fledgling actress has signed on the dotted line to act in Sriwass’ next, produced by Nama Abhishek of Abhishek Pictures. This is the banner’s Production No. 4. The makers have it that Pooja will be seen in a crucial, glamour based role. Jagapathi Babu is playing one of the key roles. Music is by Rock Star Devi Sri Prasad. Peter Hein has been roped in for stunts, while Sai Madhav Burra, who penned dialogues for Gautamiputra Satakarni & Khaidi No. 150 earlier this year, is writing for this untitled movie.

Official Jawaan Release Date

Sai Dharam Tej’s movie with writer – turned – director BVS Ravi will hit the screens on 1st Sept, 2017. Titled as Jawaan, the film has Mehreen of Krishnagaadi Veera Prema Gadha fame as the heroine. Tamil actor Prasanna is the antagonist. Kalyanvarma Dandu, Biyyapu Saikrishna & Vamsi Balapanuri are the co – writers. Music is by SS Thaman. Cinematography is by Guhan. Editing is by SR Sekhar. Art direction is by Brahma Kadali. After the disastrous performance of Tikka & Winner, Teju must be pinning hopes on this film. BVS Ravi directed Wanted a few years ago and has co – written Iddarammayilatho, Gouravam & Pandavulu Pandavulu Tummeda in recent times.

Release Date Of Agent Bairavaa Confirmed

Kollywoood superstar Vijay’s Pongal release Bairavaa is being dubbed into Telugu as Agent Bairavaa. The news is that the commercial entertainer will hit the screens on 7th Jul, 2017. Starring Mahanati girl Keerthy Suresh, the movie is directed by Bharathan. A formulaic story with all commercial trappings, it sees Vijay in the role of an angry young man. This is also one of the most important films in which our own Jagapathi Babu has done the main antagonist’s role.

Kathalo Rajakumari Release Postponed

Kathalo Rajakumari, starring Nara Rohith, Namitha Pramod & Nanditha Raj in lead roles, will be released only by Jul, 2017 end. The movie was earlier supposed to hit the screens this month itself. “The idea is to take the film to a wider audience. We are that’s why deferring the release,” the producer has said in a statement. Crucial scenes were shot in a set erected in Araku. Post – production works are currently ongoing. “The Teaser & the recently -released songs have been getting a lot of positive response,” the makers averred.

Mohanlal’s Presence In Prithviraj’s Tiyaa Revealed

One of the most – awaited movies of recent times, Tiyaan starring Prithviraj & Indrajith in the lead roles will be hitting the big screens soon. With back to back release of the character’s posters & the stunning teaser, Tiyaan has already pinned high hopes amongst the audiences. As per the latest update, superstar Mohanlal is also part of this big budget movie. The complete actor has rendered his voice for the narration of the movie. The Tiyaan team has a good rapport with Mohanlal, (who will be teaming up with Prithviraj & Murali Gopy for the much – anticipated movie, Lucifer) that has helped them to rope in the Superstar to lend his voice.

Miya Walks Into The 10 Million Club

Actress Miya walk into the 10 million club. But not in terms of money. The gorgeous actress has become the 1st ever celebrity from the Mollywood to get 1 Crore likes on Facebook. The excited actress also had a live interaction on Facebook with her fans, from the location of Sherlock Toms in Kochi. In her Live video, Miya did not forget to thank her fans, including Tamil & Telugu fans. Actress Nazriya Nazim, who has been away from cinema post her marriage with Fahadh Faasil, is in the 2nd position with over 76 lakhs Facebook likes.

Salman Khan no doubt had acquired a super star status especially since the last half a decade. But Mr. Khan seems to be losing his grip on his stardom recently especially after the release of his latest film Tubelight. And this situation is probably due to his own miscalculation, which proved to be nothing but his over confident egoistic trip.

They say that anyone loses his head once success goes to his head. So what if he is a common man or a super star. The same can be said in case of Mr. Salman Khan as he was indeed floating on cloud 9 with the grand success of his previous Ramzan Eid releases namely Bajrangi Bhaijan, Sultan et al. But this time with the release of Tubelight, which has tanked miserably on the Box – Office turnstiles, Salman Khan’s steady filmic career has nosedived and seems to be in doldrums nay in great danger.

The main reason seems to be Salman Bhai’s over confidence that nothing but nothing can topple his stardom and so he has been planning all his releases to coincide with the Ramzan Eid festival. But this time his release planning for Tubelight has backfired beyond redeem as Tubelight was released 3 days ahead of the Ramzan Eid day. So the entire Muslim Community probably stayed away from the theaters screening Tubelight. How can they go to see a Salman Khan movie, even if he is a super star and their own creation, when they are fasting?

Does this mean that Salman Khan’s fan following comprises only of the Muslim brethren? So pray where were the other community members? Who also used to throng the theaters screening the great Salman Khan movie? Even they seemed to have deserted the theaters screening Tubelight.
Well! There are other speculated controversies surrounding Salman Khan, which has also proved to be a hindrance, which has resulted in his recent sorriest state of affairs. But there is no point in digging his personal & professional grave too.

So what lies in store for the great Mr. Salman Khan except Yash Raj Films forthcoming venture Tiger Zinda Hai. Will this film too suffer the same fate as Tubelight or will Salman Khan mend his ways & plans at least in future. One point of advice for Mr. Khan at this stage is not uncalled for. Salman Khan should stop romancing the younger beauties & romantic films and divert his attention to mature roles suiting his persona as well as his 50+ age.

In conclusion it would not be out of place to reproduce a social media joke about Salman Khan & Shah Rukh Khan. The joke is that the other Khan namely Aamir Khan is seriously considering making a film titled Electrician which will be an amalgamated version of Shah Rukh Khan’s Fan & Salman Khan’s Tubelight.

ADNAN SAMI TO MAKE HIS ACTING DEBUT IN RADHIKA RAO & VINAY SAPRU’S NEXT

Adnan Sami is all set to make his acting debut with Radhika Rao & Vinay Sapru’s next film – Afghan – In Search Of A Home. Adnan will be seen playing a musician in this movie which will be a perfect entertainer with drama, emotion & music. Adnan, Radhika & Vinay have been friends for over a decade and were last seen working together in Lucky… No Time for Love. Afghan – In Search of A Home is the story of a musician Refugee from Afghanistan who flees his country of birth under extenuating circumstances to make a very long & arduous walk towards seeking an identity & a home. The film is a story of music & the musicians in countries where music is that one thing no one needs or wants anymore cause in a disturbed & violent terrain the 1st casualty is always art. When Radhika & Vinay shared the story with Adnan he had goose bumps listening to it and Adnan couldn’t wait to be a part of this poignant & inspiring tale of the survival of music in a foreign country. Adnan says that this movie is very close to his heart as it is his 1st movie as an actor and as an Indian. He is the 1st Pakistani under the rarest clause in the constitution of India to be granted Indian nationality.

‘YEH HAI INDIA’ SLATED FOR RELEASE ON 4TH AUG 2017

Yeh Hai India starring Gavie Chahal & Deana Uppal, winner of Miss India UK is under post production. It is directed by filmmaker LomHarsh & produced by Sandeep Chaudhury. The film is slated to release on 4th Aug, 2017 under the banner of DLB Films.

VIKRAM BHATT STARTS SHOOTING FOR HIS NEW HORROR, ROMANTIC FILM ‘1921’

1921, commenced shooting in UK from 18th May, 2017 onwards. This time around the film from Vikram Bhatt, is a story about love & fear. The film was recently in the news with the announcement of Zarine Khan headlining the cast. As the film begins rolling she is joined by Karan Kundra as the male lead. A Vikram Bhatt directed film, 1921 will be shot in varied locales in UK. The film is a completely new venture, after Vikram’s numerous successful outings in similar genres films like the Raaz series, Haunted 3D, 1920 franchise amongst others. Like the 1920 series, 1921 also has a very a strong romantic & emotional premise between the lead pair. 1921, while being a feast for all 1920 fans, is also certain to add & attract a bigger & newer audiences given this incredible bump up in scale on varied counts, from where the other franchisee signed off. Vikram Bhatt is one of the most popular directors in Bollywood in the horror genre. Vikram says, “The point is to just not scare but to make the audiences feel for the characters and want them protected. 1921 is a film that goes beyond the genre. Why can’t the villain of a great love be a great evil?” The film revolves around the lead cast dealing with their dark pasts & secrets to secure their present & future. 1921, is about a struggle between life & death, and is based entirely in UK.

DIVYA DUTTA’S INTENSE LOVE DRAMA WITH RANVIR SHOREY

Divya Dutta recently shot an intense love drama with Ranvir Shorey for Manto’s biopic.Divya & Ranvir are starring opposite each other for the 1st time ever and its stirring curiosity in everyone’s minds. Divya Dutta is doing one of her steamiest scenes with Ranvir Shorey and its nothing like she’s ever done before. Both of them portraying beautifully written characters in one of the popular stories in Manto’s biopic, Divya & Ranvir are an unusually unique pair on screen.

YRF’S SULTAN WINS BEST ACTION MOVIE AT SHANGHAI INTERNATIONAL FILM FEST

Ahead of its China release later this year, Yash Raj Films’ mega blockbuster Sultan sets the stage by winning the prestigious Best Action Movie award at the Shanghai International Film Festival. This Salman Khan – Anushka Sharma starrer is the 1st ever Indian film to win this award. Within the Shanghai International Film Festival, the Jackie Chan Action Movie Week focuses on a selection of the best in action, special effects & performances by action stars from China & the Asia Pacific. Action from the region is emulated globally on film & TV. Given that a combination of judge assessment & audiences vote at the festival decides the winners, Sultan’s wide appeal & impressive action has won over international audiences. Prakash Gupta, Consul General of India, Shanghai, accepted this award on behalf of Yash Raj Films. Avtar Panesar, Vice President, International Operations, said “Sultan has broken new grounds in presenting classic, home grown Indian action on the big screen. The love from audiences in China is very gratifying, and the top prize at the Jackie Chan Action Movie Week is an achievement that we are proud of.” Director Ali Abbas Zafar adds, “We are very happy with all the love & respect we got at SIFF. Receiving an award under the action category from Jackie Chan is just super special. As a child he has been one of the most inspiring action stars for me and many Indians. Sultan is about desi, Indian wrestling and it’s raw power. Amidst a selection of brilliant action films that present the most refined martial arts, the film’s win is rewarding, and reflects that a good story based in action has universal appeal. ”In 2016, the Best Action Movie award had been given to IP Man 3, a cult Chinese action franchise that is popular worldwide. Sultan had also received a standing ovation during screenings at the esteemed Busan International Film Festival.

DIRECTOR SUNIL AGNIHOTRI’S SON SIDDHARTH TURNS DIRECTOR

It is quite common for a filmmaker’s child to follow footsteps of their parents. As a film & TV producer & director Sunil Agnihotri is a distinguished name. Best described as the “King of Television costume dramas”. Sunil Agnihotri has directed films like Danga Fasad, Daava featuring Akshay Kumar, Jai Kishen with Akshay Kumar, Laat Saab with Jackie Shroff Balwinder Singh Famous Ho Gaya featuring singers from the music world – Mika Singh & Shaan. He was a household name with TV series like Chandrakanta, Jai Ganesha etc. Sunil Agnihotri’s son Siddharth Agnihotri seems to have got accustomed to his father’s way of life. Siddharth is armed with a complete filmmaking course from New York Film Academy, New York (USA). He has recently opened his own production house under the name of Illusionist Films. He produces ad commercials and has plans for web series, TV shows and other digital content. Like father, like son….. Ad -filmmaker Siddharth too has begun his cinematic journey by wielding the megaphone with an interesting short film, Equal Mom . The film has already been well received on YouTube and is generating more eyeballs each day. It is jointly produced by Pooja Khubchandani, Apeksha Agarwal & Siddharth Agnihotri in association with Ogilvy, Mumbai. The film has been scripted by Akshay Seth. Equal Mom delves on a sensitive issue of maternity leave for adoptive mothers. The subject has been beautifully portrayed in 2 minutes by a child & mother played by Priya Malik. It sends a strong message to the people and the governing authorities to give equal rights. The film is being sent across varied festivals too. Siddharth says, “Equal Mom is an extremely interesting concept and I wanted to create awareness on this subject. The script touched my heart and I believe & hope our film will make a difference and the law will recognise the importance of equal leave for an adoptive mother. I do not intend to use my father’s name to bag work. I want people to see me individually and appreciate me for my work.”

NOW NARGIS FAKHRI LEARNS MARATHI

Nargis Fakhri who is busy promoting her latest shingle with Parichay is all set to add new feather in her cap. After learning Hindi now she is trying her best to learn Marathi. Nargis stated, “It’s always good to keep learning and Marathi is something that I was keen on . Have recently sung in Punjabi , and now with my app post taking tuitions for hindi it’s time to get to learn some basic Marathi. “Nargis has recently posted on her app that she wants to learn Marathi and is looking out for a good tutors. Lot of her fans applied for it, out of which Nargis selected a guy names Aman Wankhede who was specially flown down to Mumbai to teach Nargis some basic Hindi words. “Nargis is quite interactive on the app. Previously she learnt Hindi via her app and now Marathi. She keeps travelling a lot and she wants to spend her travelling time learning something, so she decided to learn a new language. ” “Learning Marathi Is a great help when working on sets in Mumbai! It helps me to know who is talking about me in front of my back! LOL” says Nargis.

TIGER LAUNCHES HINDI TRAILER OF ‘SPIDER – MAN: HOMECOMING’ FOR WHICH HE IS THE VOICE!

Be it his agile action sequences or his dance moves, there is no beating Tiger Shroff! The Bollywood heartthrob has come on board to dub as Spider – Man in the Hindi version of the much awaited Spider – Man: Homecoming! This is Tiger’s 1st ever association with a Hollywood tent – pole film and the actor launched the exciting Hindi trailer of Spider – Man: Homecoming at an adrenaline filled event! The youth icon unveiled the Hindi version of the trailer, amidst fans dressed as Spidey in his honor, to cheers & whistles from those present! Tiger also thrilled the audience with his lightning fast superhero moves, doing the spidey moves, driving the flashbulbs into a frenzy. Now that the film’s trailer has been launched, Tiger said that dubbing for Spiderman was like his half dream come true. On playing one of his favourite superheroes, by dubbing for him in Hindi, Tiger also explained how it was to actually lend his voice for Spider – Man and how he got into the character to do so. Sony Pictures Entertainment India’s Spider – Man: Homecoming releases in India on 7th Jul, 2017 in English, Hindi, Tamil & Telugu.

NEW POSTER OF GURINDER CHADHA’S ‘PARTITION 1947′ OUT NOW

The poster of Gurinder Chada’s upcoming film Viceroy House which is titled Partition 1947 in Hindi has announced the Hindi Title and the film is slated to be released on the 18th Aug, 2017 .The film stars Huma Querishi, Manish Dayal, Hugh Bonneville. The film also stars the late maestro Om Puri who plays an essential role in the film. Directed by Gurinder Chadha, the music of the film has been composed by A. R. Rahman. PARTITION: 1947 tells us the untold story behind Partition. After 300 years, the rule was coming to an end. The rule of the British!! For 6 months in 1947, Lord Mountbatten assumed the post of the last Viceroy, with a responsibility of handing India back to its people. Viceroy’s House (now Rashtrapati Bhavan) in Delhi was the home of the British rulers till then. As the political elite – Nehru, Jinnah & Gandhi – converged on the House to wrangle over the independence of India, a conflict erupted. A decision was to be taken to divide the country and thus emerged a conspiracy & a love story followed by untold events between our Indian political leaders and the British Raj driven by political duplicity. This Independence Day discover hidden facts & unmask the biggest conspiracy in the History of India.

WORKING BIRTHDAY FOR AANAND L RAI!!!

One of the most successful filmmakers in the country today, Aanand L Rai, celebrated his birthday recently, doing what he loves most – making films!!! Rai, who recently wrapped up the 1st ever schedule of his untitled next with Shah Rukh Khan, is neck deep in work, with his professional commitments both as a producer & a director. The filmmaker is busy with the prep of the next schedule of his ambitious film, that goes on the floors in a few days at a suburban Mumbai studio. If that wasn’t all, Rai is also busy with the release plans of his next two films – Shubh Mangal Saavdhan & Newton. It was a working birthday for Aanand L Rai and knowing his love & passion for his work, he wouldn’t have had it any other way. The filmmaker went for a private lunch with his team, post which he was back in his office to work on his projects under his home banner Colour Yellow Productions.

POOJA HEGDE ADMITS SHE IS SCARED OF HEIGHTS, BUT WANTS TO OVERCOME THE FEAR BY GIVING A SHOT AT SKYDIVING

The talented actress who made her debut alongside superstar Hrithik Roshan in Ashutosh Gowariker’s Mohenjo – Daro has decided to experience the spine – chilling adventure sport in Abu Dhabi at the end of this month. Pooja who attended SIIMA Awards 2017 in Abu Dhabi on 30th Jun, 2017 & 1st Jul, 2017 has extended her stay for a couple of days so that she can explore the place and also make an attempt at skydiving. The gorgeous actress is currently stationed in Hyderabad for the promotion of her upcoming Telugu film DJ alongside Allu Arjun. Pooja says, “I won’t deny that I am a bit scared of heights and I have never experienced anything like skydiving. Hopefully I’ll do it successfully in Abu Dhabi.”

PREITY ZINTA ANNOUNCES KAVACH SAFETY!!!

Recipient of the Red & White Bravery Award, actress, humanitarian & leading women’s right activist, Preity Zinta, in a revolutionary move has founded India’s 1st & only holistic women’s’ safety solution. In association with Anthony Moorhouse Ex – Special Forces Australia, Founder of Dynamq , “Kavach Safety”, is a “pro victim – anti perpetrator” emergency response service, that assures safety at the press of a button. Backed by a national Emergency Operations Centre, members will have access to a special Kavach team, a network of security, legal & high end forensic support medical & victim advocacy experts, all of whom are former army & special force professionals, to support victims. With this Kavach will act as a one – stop – shop to every safety & security need a woman might have. Kavach Safety focuses on the safety & security needs of women and takes an empathetic & supportive approach to preventing incidents and helping victims of crime through medical services, insurance claims management & trauma support. Preity Zinta says, “I started Kavach to ensure that no woman should fear for her personal safety in her daily life. It has taken me 5 long years to get here because I feel we need to empower women. We have a duty to the women of India to reduce the risk of violence, to support those that have been affected, and to educate the country that safety is a right…not a privilege”.

MIRA KAPOOR TO LAUNCH POOJA MAKHIJA’S BOOK ‘EAT. DELETE. JUNIOR’!

Mira Kapoor has won over the hearts of many with her simplicity & freshness. She has been spotted many a times with darling Misha exiting her play gym and is known to be a hands on mom. She will now be launching friend & nutritionist Pooja Makhija’s next book titled “Eat. Delete. Junior” based on balanced nutrition for children. Initially, the young mother was busy nursing her dearest daughter post which she decided to get back to her routine and to a fitness regime for healthy & steady weight loss. Mira took many by surprise by deciding to step into the phase of motherhood early and has found tremendous support & popularity amongst young mothers. Pooja felt Mira was the ideal one to launch her book based on child nutrition from birth to young adulthood. “It lays special emphasis on lactation specific diets as well, a topic that is usually not given much importance, thus roping in Mira seemed an obvious choice. Mira, who will be launching the book at a press conference soon, will also talk about the challenges new mothers face introducing foods to their children as well as sustaining a balanced diet, thereby sharing some personal tips.